Ignition SySTEMs - 1
Chapter 47
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Ignition coils are basically:
- A.
Step-down transformers.
- B.
Step-up transformers.
- C.
Ballast resistors.
- D.
Switching transistors.
Correct Answer
B. Step-up transformers.Explanation
Ignition coils are step-up transformers. They are responsible for converting the low voltage from the battery into a high voltage needed to create a spark in the spark plugs. Step-up transformers have more turns in the secondary coil than in the primary coil, resulting in an increase in voltage. This high voltage is necessary to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. Therefore, ignition coils act as step-up transformers to provide the required high voltage for the spark plugs.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A high-voltage spark must cross the spark plug electrode as the piston approaches top dead center (TDC) of the
- A.
Exhaust stroke.
- B.
Ignition stroke.
- C.
Intake stroke.
- D.
Compression stroke.
Correct Answer
D. Compression stroke.Explanation
Once the fuel and air mixture has compressed, a spark is needed to ignite the mixture.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When the driver turns the key to the start position, an electrical connection is made between the vehicle battery and the ____________ of the ignition coil.
- A.
Secondary winding
- B.
Ballast resistor
- C.
Primary winding
- D.
Distributor
Correct Answer
C. Primary windingExplanation
When the driver turns the key to the start position, an electrical connection is made between the vehicle battery and the primary winding of the ignition coil. The primary winding is responsible for receiving the voltage from the battery and creating a magnetic field. This magnetic field then collapses rapidly, inducing a high voltage in the secondary winding. This high voltage is then sent to the spark plugs, igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinders. Therefore, the primary winding is crucial in the ignition process as it helps generate the necessary voltage for spark plug ignition.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The type of ignition system in which two cylinders share one coils is called a:
- A.
Distributor ignition system.
- B.
Waste spark ignition system.
- C.
Coil-on plug ignition system.
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Waste spark ignition system.Explanation
It's called waste spark because it fires on a pair of engine cylinders on opposite engine cycles.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Most vehicles today use the _________ type of ignition system.
- A.
Coil-on-plug
- B.
Waste spark
- C.
Breakerless
- D.
Distributor
Correct Answer
A. Coil-on-plugExplanation
Most vehicles today use the coil-on-plug type of ignition system. This system involves individual ignition coils for each spark plug, which are directly mounted on top of the spark plugs. This design eliminates the need for a distributor and provides a more efficient and reliable spark delivery to the engine. The coil-on-plug system also allows for better control of ignition timing and improves overall engine performance.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The component the ignition system uses to convert low voltage and high current into high voltage and low current is called the:
- A.
Ballast resistor.
- B.
Advance mechanism.
- C.
Condenser.
- D.
Induction coil.
Correct Answer
D. Induction coil.Explanation
The ignition system uses an induction coil to convert low voltage and high current from the battery into high voltage and low current needed to create a spark at the spark plugs. The induction coil consists of two windings, a primary winding and a secondary winding. When the current flows through the primary winding, it creates a magnetic field, which is then collapsed rapidly when the current is interrupted. This collapsing magnetic field induces a high voltage in the secondary winding, which is then sent to the spark plugs to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The collapse of the magnetic field inside the ignition coil happens as a result of the interruption of current to the:
- A.
Primary winding.
- B.
Secondary winding.
- C.
Ignition control module.
- D.
Electronic control module (ECM).
Correct Answer
A. Primary winding.Explanation
The collapse of voltage occurs on the primary side of the ignition coil.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The amount of voltage needed to initially get the spark to jump the spark plug gap is called the:
- A.
Available voltage.
- B.
Required voltage.
- C.
Induced voltage.
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Required voltage.Explanation
The correct answer is "required voltage" because it accurately describes the amount of voltage needed to initiate the spark jump across the spark plug gap. This voltage is necessary for the spark plug to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The other options, "available voltage" and "induced voltage," do not specifically refer to the initial voltage required for the spark to jump.Rate this question:
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- 9.
As engine rpm increases, the ignition timing must:
- A.
Retard.
- B.
Advance.
- C.
Remain the same.
- D.
Remain the same and then retard.
Correct Answer
B. Advance.Explanation
As engine rpm increases, the ignition timing needs to advance. This is because at higher rpm, the combustion process occurs more quickly, and the spark needs to be initiated earlier in order to achieve maximum power and efficiency. Advancing the ignition timing ensures that the spark plug fires at the optimal moment for ignition, allowing for better combustion and improved engine performance.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The primary winding of the ignition coil has approximately _______ turns of enameled copper wire.
- A.
A few hundred
- B.
1,000
- C.
15,000
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. A few hundredExplanation
The primary winding of the ignition coil has approximately a few hundred turns of enameled copper wire. This is because the primary winding is responsible for receiving the low voltage from the battery and creating a magnetic field. A few hundred turns of wire are sufficient to generate the necessary magnetic field to induce a high voltage in the secondary winding, which is then sent to the spark plugs for ignition. Having too few turns would result in a weak magnetic field, while having too many turns would increase resistance and limit the flow of current.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The hottest part of the spark plug is the:
- A.
Ground electrode.
- B.
Insulator.
- C.
Center electrode.
- D.
Metal shell.
Correct Answer
C. Center electrode.Explanation
The center electrode is the hottest part of the spark plug because it is the part that is directly exposed to the combustion chamber. When the electrical current passes through the center electrode, it generates a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This ignition process creates intense heat, causing the center electrode to reach high temperatures. The ground electrode, insulator, and metal shell also play important roles in the spark plug's function, but they are not directly exposed to the combustion chamber and therefore do not reach the same level of heat as the center electrode.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The pattern in which a lab scope shows all the cylinders firing in sequence is called the:
- A.
Parade pattern.
- B.
Raster pattern.
- C.
Spark line.
- D.
Firing line.
Correct Answer
A. Parade pattern.Explanation
On an lab scope, the spark voltages as they are read is called a parade pattern.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Tech A says that a defective crankshaft or camshaft position sensor can prevent an engine from starting. Tech B says that if a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicates a problem with the crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, you will always have to replace the sensor. Who is correct?
- A.
Tech A
- B.
Tech B
- C.
Both Techs A and B
- D.
Neither Tech A nor B
Correct Answer
A. Tech AExplanation
Tech A is correct because a defective crankshaft or camshaft position sensor can indeed prevent an engine from starting. These sensors are responsible for providing the engine control module (ECM) with information about the position and speed of the crankshaft and camshaft, which is crucial for proper ignition and fuel injection timing. If these sensors are faulty or not functioning correctly, the ECM may not receive the necessary data to start the engine. However, Tech B is not correct because not all problems with the crankshaft or camshaft position sensor require replacement. Sometimes, the issue can be resolved by cleaning or repairing the sensor, or addressing other underlying issues that may be affecting its performance.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Tech A says that you can test for defective ignition wires by using a spray bottle and water. Tech B says that you can test for defective ignition wires with a grounded test lead. Who is correct?
- A.
Tech A
- B.
Tech B
- C.
Both Techs A and B
- D.
Neither Tech A nor B
Correct Answer
C. Both Techs A and BExplanation
Both Techs A and B are correct. Tech A is suggesting using a spray bottle and water to test for defective ignition wires, which is a common method. Water can help identify any leaks or faults in the wires by causing them to misfire or create a short circuit. On the other hand, Tech B suggests using a grounded test lead, which can also effectively identify faulty ignition wires. By grounding the test lead and touching it to different parts of the wire, any irregularities or breaks in the wire's continuity can be detected. Therefore, both methods can be used to test for defective ignition wires.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Tech A says that you can test the ignition coil with an ohmmeter. Tech B says you can't test the ignition coil with an oscilloscope. Who is correct?
- A.
Tech A
- B.
Tech B
- C.
Both Techs A and B
- D.
Neither Tech A nor B
Correct Answer
A. Tech AExplanation
Tech A is correct. An ignition coil can be tested using an ohmmeter. An ohmmeter measures the resistance of the coil, which can indicate if there is a problem with the coil. On the other hand, an oscilloscope is not typically used to test the ignition coil. It is used to measure and analyze electrical signals, but it may not provide the specific information needed to diagnose issues with the coil. Therefore, Tech B is incorrect.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Tech A says that the crankshaft sensor is used to determine vehicle speed. Tech B says the cam sensor is used to control fuel pump speed. Who is correct?
- A.
Tech A
- B.
Tech B
- C.
Both Techs A and B
- D.
Neither Tech A nor B
Correct Answer
D. Neither Tech A nor BExplanation
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is responsible for inputting vehicle speed.
The cam sensor is responsible for inputting camshaft position to the ECM.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Tech A says that a Hall-effect sensor can be used in an electronic ignition system. Tech B says that an optical-type sensor can be used in an electronic ignition system. Who is correct?
- A.
Tech A
- B.
Tech B
- C.
Both Techs A and B
- D.
Neither Tech A nor B
Correct Answer
C. Both Techs A and BExplanation
Both Techs A and B are correct. A Hall-effect sensor and an optical-type sensor can both be used in an electronic ignition system. The Hall-effect sensor detects changes in magnetic fields, while an optical-type sensor uses light to detect motion or position. Both sensors can be used to accurately measure the position of the crankshaft or camshaft in an electronic ignition system, allowing for precise timing of the ignition spark.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Tech A says that ignition coils are essentially transformers. Tech B says that the primary side of the coil delivers the high voltage spark that is necessary to jump the plug gap. Who is correct?
- A.
Tech A
- B.
Tech B
- C.
Both Techs A and B
- D.
Neither Tech A nor B
Correct Answer
A. Tech AExplanation
Ignition coils transform low voltage into high voltage to jump the gap of the spark plug. The secondary side delivers the high voltage to jump this gap.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Tech A says that a secondary ignition shock is enough to kill you. Tech B says that a secondary ignition shock does not have enough current to kill you. Who is correct?
- A.
Tech A
- B.
Tech B
- C.
Both Techs A and B
- D.
Neither Tech A nor B
Correct Answer
B. Tech BExplanation
Tech B is correct. A secondary ignition shock does not have enough current to kill you. The term "secondary ignition" refers to the electrical system in a vehicle that provides the spark for the spark plugs. While it can deliver a high voltage, it does not have enough current to be lethal. The primary ignition system, on the other hand, which includes the battery and starter motor, can deliver a much higher current and poses a greater risk of electrocution.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Tech A says that it is easiest to set the spark plug gap on all the plugs at one time. Tech B says that spark plugs come pre-gapped and you should never have to check spark plug gap. Who is correct?
- A.
Tech A
- B.
Tech B
- C.
Both Techs A and B
- D.
Neither Tech A nor B
Correct Answer
A. Tech AExplanation
Tech A is correct. It is easiest to set the spark plug gap on all the plugs at one time. This ensures that all the spark plugs have the same gap, which is important for consistent ignition and optimal engine performance. On the other hand, Tech B is incorrect in stating that spark plugs come pre-gapped and you should never have to check the spark plug gap. While some spark plugs may come pre-gapped, it is still recommended to check and adjust the gap if necessary, as it can be affected by handling and transportation.Rate this question:
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Aug 28, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 20, 2016Quiz Created by
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